Joseph, had worked hard on the house he was building for Mary, but put aside his tools and went up to wash and put on clean clothes. Then, walking up the hill toward Mary's, he recognized his love for her so very strongly. And looking around at the view, he felt his love for Jehovah, whose sky was bright with stars above him and felt himself to be blessed among all men!
Seeing Hannah was busy with the children, Joseph approached the garden where Joachim paced and Mary sat quietly. He thought immediately, 'Something is not quite right." He could just feel it! After greeting Joseph, Joachim turned and left them alone. But Mary rose, meeting Joseph's eyes with a direct and searching look. She said, "We must talk," and led him toward the roof. But, Joseph hoped to kiss her soon and stopped her. "The flowers are so fragrant. Won't you walk down to the olive grove with me?" He added, "Please!"
Mary nodded, and moved ahead of him swiftly, her sandals scratching on the stones like tiny animal feet. Joseph reached out and caught her hand so small and soft in his large rough palm, and laughingly said, "Wait for me, my darling!" She stopped and Joseph could no longer wait. He tried to kiss her, but she slipped away. "Mary, Mary, do you not know how much I love you? I think only of you! Only you, all day! Kiss me, dear, in the way I want you to. Love me, my dear, in return for my love!"
Mary broke away, feeling desolate. But, Joseph stood bewildered and began to argue that in the sight of God they were married; surely what was the only wrong was to be separated in spirit. What elusive thing had changed her spirit? What has made her so aloof and troubled? Joseph was shaken and searched himself for error, regretting his outburst. Longing for her touch, he said, "Forgive me for speaking and acting rashly, Mary. I shall bridle my tongue and desires; I promise."
But she backed away against a tree, holding her hands behind her and clinging to the tree for support. She whispered, "Don't! Don't come nearer, Joseph" Then, pausing, seeing his conflict, her lips trembled and she said, "I beg you not to touch me. I must tell you something." She paused, then finally went on, "I am with child."
He was silent. Joseph could hear her breathing or else it was his own blood pounding. A pariah dog yelped in the distance, a wild and eerie sound. Then, Joseph spoke one word, "Whose?"
"I don't know."
"You don't know? Mary are you mad" Or do you think that I am mad?"
"Perhaps I am mad!" she said. "I asked myself, "How can this be that I am the chosen one." No, there had to be a mistake. I could not believe it, Joseph. It must be a dream, I told myself. Or madness. But then, gradually it came to pass, what the angel had foretold. My body is changing. It is real. My mother confirms my body is with child. And I have known no man--even you, Joseph, my husband, not even you."
Joseph stood silent, not really understanding what he had just heard. He was so puzzled. "You the chosen one, my beloved? Christ expected for so long? The Messiah? So many people have made that claim, Mary! Good honest people!"
"You don't believe me," she gasped and tried to stop her trembling. Of all the talks you have made in synagogue! The discussions with my father! Yet, you don't believe!!"
"Mary, I do believe...the Christ will come...someday!"
"But not now, not to you and me! Not in this time! Not through personal involvement! That's too terrible! The cost is too dear! Basically, not through me!"
She took a step nearer, "But isn't the test of faith one of suffering and sacrifice?A willingness to give up everything if need be, Joseph?" The thought nearly staggered Joseph! But he added, "What we believe, Mary, which of us knows what it is that we truly believe."
Her eyes were intent upon him. When she did not answer, he went on and on about disbelief in Israel. But Mary stopped him, "Oh, Joseph, Joseph! Don't talk about Israel. Talk about us. I am going to have a child, a child of flesh and blood. If you cast me out...."
"Cast me out?" Joseph moaned aloud. But Mary persisted, "Yes. Divorce me for adultery. They will stone me, Joseph. You know the penalty!" He said, "Surely God would not let that happen!"
"Joseph, have pity on me," she said, her hands locked in supplication. Joseph saw she was at his mercy, this chosen child of God, this honored bride of the Most High. His God, his enemy.
Her tears melted him. He quietly took her folded hands and held them against him while he stroked her hair. "Hush, hush little Mary. I love you. I love you.And so long as I live no harm shall come to you."
"How does your mother feel about this?" he asked. And Mary answered, "She is frantic and thinks I have sinned--with you." He moaned, thinking, "I wish I had taken her weeks ago." But they held each other, truly loving, wondering how to handle the weeks ahead. (End Story for today)
What a dilemma! Hard to imagine the strain on a family with a problem no one has ever had like this one. Yet, many do have problems that we have never had, even if not like this one of Mary and Joseph. As we read, and perhaps learn, I pray that other families will trust in God as well as their love for each other.
Hope you had a great Thanksgiving!
Jo INMN
Saturday, November 29, 2014
Friday, November 28, 2014
LOVE ASKS FOR FAITH
Again, the book of Marjorie Holmes, TWO FROM GALILEE, helps to tell us a story of the human parents of Jesus, those called Mary and Joseph. Our story finds Mary and her mother, Hannah, washing clothes:
Mary and her mother, had washed their week's garments outside, laying the washed and rinsed garments out to dry in the hot sun. Mary was troubled. Her baby had begun to show in small signs of pregnancy and Mary knew it was time to explain. How was she to begin?
When they began to wash the cloths from their monthly bleeding, Hannah noticed the discrepancy in the number of cloths, and said, "Many girls go through skipping now and then. "We'll brew some herbs and you will be right in no-time." But Mary knew she must tell her mother all of it. "Mother", she said, "you didn't listen. I am not ill. It was not Joseph or another man, but I am pregnant. Mother, I am pregnant with the Holy One. Mother, please believe me!"
Hannah responded with a sour look, "I don't believe it." And she ran to the fields to get Joachim, Mary's father. After explaining the circumstance that Mary had given her to Joachim, Joachim began running toward the house with Hannah following. He stopped to say to Hannah, "It's lack of faith that troubles you! Do you not remember the words of the prophets--a Messiah will come! and when did Israel need a prophet more! And another thing--Mary does not lie!" And on he ran up the path.
Mary had finished the washing, and looked so young to her father, fresh-faced and lovely. Perhaps, it was not entirely true, Joachim thought, "All is well with my daughter."
Joachim slowed upon reaching her and began rapidly to say, "Mary, Mary. What is this your mother tells me?" But, Mary knew what she was asking him to believe was near impossible.
She reassured her father saying, "It is the prophesy. I can hardly believe it myself, but I have been chosen. Faulty, weak, maybe even wicked--the Lord has chosen me!"
Joachim tried once again to make an excuse for her, "Perhaps it was a dream. If it is true, how can we tell if it is true? Mary answered, "If it is true, Father! If God has deemed the time has come? Father God's own angel came to tell me."
She continued, "And I felt the Holy One invade my...being. How? I do not know, only that I felt indescribable...happiness! Mary's heart broke and tears began to run down her cheeks.
She regained her composure just a bit and finally able to speak, said, "My body has begun to change. There are signs, human signs. I told Mother what those signs are and she agrees....I am to bear a child!"
"Have you told Joseph?" Joachim asked.
"I cannot think how to tell him. Whenever I think of Joseph--my heart starts to die!"
And Joachim took her hand, "He loves you," he said, "surely you must tell him tonight! And we must think how best to handle this!" Then he added as he touched her cheek, "Like Joseph, I love you and without faith, love would not last.!" (End of story today)
Yes, it is true. Without faith, love does not last. This story teaches us that, as well as showing what it is like for families who find that God has blessed them with blessings which start out as problems needing to be solved. Have faith in the love that has been given, and the faith will see you through.
We're all in this together, just as the families of Mary and Joseph--
Jo INMN
Mary and her mother, had washed their week's garments outside, laying the washed and rinsed garments out to dry in the hot sun. Mary was troubled. Her baby had begun to show in small signs of pregnancy and Mary knew it was time to explain. How was she to begin?
When they began to wash the cloths from their monthly bleeding, Hannah noticed the discrepancy in the number of cloths, and said, "Many girls go through skipping now and then. "We'll brew some herbs and you will be right in no-time." But Mary knew she must tell her mother all of it. "Mother", she said, "you didn't listen. I am not ill. It was not Joseph or another man, but I am pregnant. Mother, I am pregnant with the Holy One. Mother, please believe me!"
Hannah responded with a sour look, "I don't believe it." And she ran to the fields to get Joachim, Mary's father. After explaining the circumstance that Mary had given her to Joachim, Joachim began running toward the house with Hannah following. He stopped to say to Hannah, "It's lack of faith that troubles you! Do you not remember the words of the prophets--a Messiah will come! and when did Israel need a prophet more! And another thing--Mary does not lie!" And on he ran up the path.
Mary had finished the washing, and looked so young to her father, fresh-faced and lovely. Perhaps, it was not entirely true, Joachim thought, "All is well with my daughter."
Joachim slowed upon reaching her and began rapidly to say, "Mary, Mary. What is this your mother tells me?" But, Mary knew what she was asking him to believe was near impossible.
She reassured her father saying, "It is the prophesy. I can hardly believe it myself, but I have been chosen. Faulty, weak, maybe even wicked--the Lord has chosen me!"
Joachim tried once again to make an excuse for her, "Perhaps it was a dream. If it is true, how can we tell if it is true? Mary answered, "If it is true, Father! If God has deemed the time has come? Father God's own angel came to tell me."
She continued, "And I felt the Holy One invade my...being. How? I do not know, only that I felt indescribable...happiness! Mary's heart broke and tears began to run down her cheeks.
She regained her composure just a bit and finally able to speak, said, "My body has begun to change. There are signs, human signs. I told Mother what those signs are and she agrees....I am to bear a child!"
"Have you told Joseph?" Joachim asked.
"I cannot think how to tell him. Whenever I think of Joseph--my heart starts to die!"
And Joachim took her hand, "He loves you," he said, "surely you must tell him tonight! And we must think how best to handle this!" Then he added as he touched her cheek, "Like Joseph, I love you and without faith, love would not last.!" (End of story today)
Yes, it is true. Without faith, love does not last. This story teaches us that, as well as showing what it is like for families who find that God has blessed them with blessings which start out as problems needing to be solved. Have faith in the love that has been given, and the faith will see you through.
We're all in this together, just as the families of Mary and Joseph--
Jo INMN
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Today is the day before Thanksgiving, a busy day for most home-makers, but a great time to put into words what we are thankful for. So, I'm taking this day and tomorrow off from encapsulating the story of Mary and Joseph in TWO FROM GALILEE by Marjorie Holmes. Let me list, instead, a small portion of that which keeps me grateful.
I am grateful for Jerry, my husband of 60 plus years and my four children- Peg, Lynn, Mitch and jean, for their spouses and all 10 grandchildren and their spouses plus our one little great-grand-daughter, Scarlet.
I am grateful for our country, perhaps imperfect, but yet one of the best in the world.
I am grateful for the church we love for it is the persons within that make the church.
I am grateful for the family in which I married, and although Jerry's parents are no longer alive, I am truly grateful for my memories of them.
I am grateful for my own parents, now long gone, and for my brother, Bob, who has passed, and my two sisters, Shirley and Judy, and also each of their families.
I am grateful that Jerry and I were able to travel to foreign parts of the world over the years.
Most of all I am grateful to have found God. No, He was not lost but I was! God revealed to me His Son, the Christ who died for the sinfulness I carried so long in my memories. I had no memory of that which might have required jail-time! Yet, I had put myself in my own internal jail, never forgetting the antics of a strong-willed child which needed forgiveness and forgetting. Through Christ's death on the Cross I was forgiven and through His merciful love I have forgotten. Therefore, I am filled with gratitude today and always.
I am also grateful for a day like Thanksgiving because we can meet as a family, those of us nearby , and share our gratitude with one another.
How blessed I am, too, to have a moment in time today to express my thanks, hoping I will continue to always be thankful for life itself.
Happy Thanksgiving---now and always--to those of you who are reading this today! We'll take up TWO FOR GALIEE again on Friday, God willing!
Love to all,
JOinMN
I am grateful for Jerry, my husband of 60 plus years and my four children- Peg, Lynn, Mitch and jean, for their spouses and all 10 grandchildren and their spouses plus our one little great-grand-daughter, Scarlet.
I am grateful for our country, perhaps imperfect, but yet one of the best in the world.
I am grateful for the church we love for it is the persons within that make the church.
I am grateful for the family in which I married, and although Jerry's parents are no longer alive, I am truly grateful for my memories of them.
I am grateful for my own parents, now long gone, and for my brother, Bob, who has passed, and my two sisters, Shirley and Judy, and also each of their families.
I am grateful that Jerry and I were able to travel to foreign parts of the world over the years.
Most of all I am grateful to have found God. No, He was not lost but I was! God revealed to me His Son, the Christ who died for the sinfulness I carried so long in my memories. I had no memory of that which might have required jail-time! Yet, I had put myself in my own internal jail, never forgetting the antics of a strong-willed child which needed forgiveness and forgetting. Through Christ's death on the Cross I was forgiven and through His merciful love I have forgotten. Therefore, I am filled with gratitude today and always.
I am also grateful for a day like Thanksgiving because we can meet as a family, those of us nearby , and share our gratitude with one another.
How blessed I am, too, to have a moment in time today to express my thanks, hoping I will continue to always be thankful for life itself.
Happy Thanksgiving---now and always--to those of you who are reading this today! We'll take up TWO FOR GALIEE again on Friday, God willing!
Love to all,
JOinMN
Monday, November 24, 2014
IS GOD SILENT?
Psalm 124:8, "Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and Earth." This simple verse has carried a multitude of people from Devestation to Joy. There is no help as mighty as the help of the Lord. Our job? To trust Him and obey.
Looking in on Mary and Joseph, we find that on the night of the Betrothal there was little sleeping.
Mary found herself at her window aching for her Joseph and wondering if he, too, was not able to sleep. And Hannah? She had given in, but secretly she hoped Mary would change her mind before the wedding, and she determined to hold off the wedding as long as she dared! She recognized she loved Mary over-much, and wanted to protect her from the "suffering and shock" involved in the "ways of men."
Joseph had earlier come in and out of Mary's life as much as was possible under Hannah's selfish watch. But now, Joseph worked long hours at his workplace. The house he was building gained in height above its cave; the cave to keep them safe from earthquakes and a place to stable the donkey.
Joseph and his brothers sang as they worked at the sturdy, but cozy, building. Mary and her father visited often, and all found they had a good time. With Timna and Jacob, Joseph's mother and father, Mary was at peace, knowing she was loved without being controlled. There was no rivalry and the visits were a delight. Mary even loved the donkey and the sheep which bedded down in the straw. She loved baking bread with Timna, with the smell of the yeast reminding her that being alive is a miracle, a holy thing.
In Mary's great happiness she remembered the "singing silence" of God, of whom she rejoiced. His singing silence, she believed, would somehow speak to her at any moment. "Perhaps God has a blessing for me," she thought, "or an admonition." Whichever it was, she would gladly hear it! As a child she had always instinctively felt God's presence. Perhaps, she thought, as a woman she would not feel His presence so completely anymore. Aloud, she asked, "Is the pure channel from God to me closed, even now?"
She repeated with a saddened heart the psalm she hoped would help her to once again rejoice. "When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars which thou hast ordained, What is man, that thou art mindful of him?" She listened but heard nothing, knew nothing but silence. (End of today's story.)
Have you ever felt God's silence? I have. Even with a psalm, a prayer, or a word of praise, I have felt God's silence. But He is always there. It is hard to understand God's silences; harder still to believe He is still present. But rejoice, in spite of our feelings, God is always there!
And you and I, we are still here! together!
Jo INMN
Looking in on Mary and Joseph, we find that on the night of the Betrothal there was little sleeping.
Mary found herself at her window aching for her Joseph and wondering if he, too, was not able to sleep. And Hannah? She had given in, but secretly she hoped Mary would change her mind before the wedding, and she determined to hold off the wedding as long as she dared! She recognized she loved Mary over-much, and wanted to protect her from the "suffering and shock" involved in the "ways of men."
Joseph had earlier come in and out of Mary's life as much as was possible under Hannah's selfish watch. But now, Joseph worked long hours at his workplace. The house he was building gained in height above its cave; the cave to keep them safe from earthquakes and a place to stable the donkey.
Joseph and his brothers sang as they worked at the sturdy, but cozy, building. Mary and her father visited often, and all found they had a good time. With Timna and Jacob, Joseph's mother and father, Mary was at peace, knowing she was loved without being controlled. There was no rivalry and the visits were a delight. Mary even loved the donkey and the sheep which bedded down in the straw. She loved baking bread with Timna, with the smell of the yeast reminding her that being alive is a miracle, a holy thing.
In Mary's great happiness she remembered the "singing silence" of God, of whom she rejoiced. His singing silence, she believed, would somehow speak to her at any moment. "Perhaps God has a blessing for me," she thought, "or an admonition." Whichever it was, she would gladly hear it! As a child she had always instinctively felt God's presence. Perhaps, she thought, as a woman she would not feel His presence so completely anymore. Aloud, she asked, "Is the pure channel from God to me closed, even now?"
She repeated with a saddened heart the psalm she hoped would help her to once again rejoice. "When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars which thou hast ordained, What is man, that thou art mindful of him?" She listened but heard nothing, knew nothing but silence. (End of today's story.)
Have you ever felt God's silence? I have. Even with a psalm, a prayer, or a word of praise, I have felt God's silence. But He is always there. It is hard to understand God's silences; harder still to believe He is still present. But rejoice, in spite of our feelings, God is always there!
And you and I, we are still here! together!
Jo INMN
Saturday, November 22, 2014
THEY ARE BETROTHED AT LAST!
I will repeat the Psalm which is the basis for my story: Psalm 124:8, "Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and Earth." I truly need to trust those words. Yesterday, the entire page of my work disappeared just before I was to "publish" it! Devastation to one who is an amateur writer. But I shall try to carry on...sigh!
After the dinner at Mary's, word came to Joseph that her parents approved of him as a husband for Mary. After a formal announcement was made, the friends and relatives of Mary were simply flabbergasted. "Can you believe it? Hannah is OK with Joseph for Mary!" Joseph's parents and friends were happy for him as well as surprised at Hannah's turn-about. Mary's so-called suitors were disappointed, wondering where they had gone wrong. Mary's friends were a bit jealous! And Mary and Joseph were ecstatic! Each of them thanked God for his goodness.
In three weeks, they would have a formal betrothal, which both expected with great joy. "The moon will be full and that should bring good luck!" Joseph remembered, almost unable to stand the thought of his beautiful Mary, with her hair down around her shoulders. She would sit in the midst of other maids with her hair undone, tumbling down her back. All he wanted was to press his face into those shoulders with the rich feel of her lovely hair. Joseph knew how blessed he was. God's gift to him--Mary! God had kept faith with him. Mary could have chosen someone else at the choosing ceremony! But she choose him!
Then he remembered Mary's eyes, large with love for him. How courageous she was, standing up to her parents...for him! He had waited a year, thinking their relationship was a lost cause. Now, he would protect her and keep himself at a distance as to protect her from his own ardor! Next would come the Day of Betrothal and Joseph worked feverishly day after day in preparing his gifts for Mary which would be given on that day, a sewing box, a pair of doeskin slippers purchased for her in anticipation long ago, and the table he worked on daily. He would be ready.
Joseph worked steadily even the day of the Betrothal. His business had been busier since he had been chosen by Mary, and he was thankful for that, too. Soon, he put his tools away, bathed and dressed and anointed his hair with olive oil, and found his confidence returning. The men set off at last, Joseph lugging the heavy table.
The bridal house within Nazareth had been given a new whitening; its' inner room transformed with the bright colors of native flowers. And Mary! Joseph thought. Yet he was stiff with guarded emotion. When he gave her the gifts, wishing he had more to give, she was radiant with pleasure. In fact, he thought she might ask to have her slippers put on her feet right then and there! But they both stayed composed. And Joseph gave the prescribed vow aloud that he had made in his heart long ago.
He then draped the special veil across her face, and a vast tenderness swept over him and a great reverence...she belonged to him!
Thus ends the story for today. See you again on Monday!
Hope you are enjoying getting to know these two love-birds who were the first human parents of our beloved Lord Jesus. As you will soon see, Jesus was born from Mary yet was the Son of the Heavenly Father. The wonderful Joseph was Christ's father in every other facet of Jesus' young life.
Wow!
Jo INMN
After the dinner at Mary's, word came to Joseph that her parents approved of him as a husband for Mary. After a formal announcement was made, the friends and relatives of Mary were simply flabbergasted. "Can you believe it? Hannah is OK with Joseph for Mary!" Joseph's parents and friends were happy for him as well as surprised at Hannah's turn-about. Mary's so-called suitors were disappointed, wondering where they had gone wrong. Mary's friends were a bit jealous! And Mary and Joseph were ecstatic! Each of them thanked God for his goodness.
In three weeks, they would have a formal betrothal, which both expected with great joy. "The moon will be full and that should bring good luck!" Joseph remembered, almost unable to stand the thought of his beautiful Mary, with her hair down around her shoulders. She would sit in the midst of other maids with her hair undone, tumbling down her back. All he wanted was to press his face into those shoulders with the rich feel of her lovely hair. Joseph knew how blessed he was. God's gift to him--Mary! God had kept faith with him. Mary could have chosen someone else at the choosing ceremony! But she choose him!
Then he remembered Mary's eyes, large with love for him. How courageous she was, standing up to her parents...for him! He had waited a year, thinking their relationship was a lost cause. Now, he would protect her and keep himself at a distance as to protect her from his own ardor! Next would come the Day of Betrothal and Joseph worked feverishly day after day in preparing his gifts for Mary which would be given on that day, a sewing box, a pair of doeskin slippers purchased for her in anticipation long ago, and the table he worked on daily. He would be ready.
Joseph worked steadily even the day of the Betrothal. His business had been busier since he had been chosen by Mary, and he was thankful for that, too. Soon, he put his tools away, bathed and dressed and anointed his hair with olive oil, and found his confidence returning. The men set off at last, Joseph lugging the heavy table.
The bridal house within Nazareth had been given a new whitening; its' inner room transformed with the bright colors of native flowers. And Mary! Joseph thought. Yet he was stiff with guarded emotion. When he gave her the gifts, wishing he had more to give, she was radiant with pleasure. In fact, he thought she might ask to have her slippers put on her feet right then and there! But they both stayed composed. And Joseph gave the prescribed vow aloud that he had made in his heart long ago.
He then draped the special veil across her face, and a vast tenderness swept over him and a great reverence...she belonged to him!
Thus ends the story for today. See you again on Monday!
Hope you are enjoying getting to know these two love-birds who were the first human parents of our beloved Lord Jesus. As you will soon see, Jesus was born from Mary yet was the Son of the Heavenly Father. The wonderful Joseph was Christ's father in every other facet of Jesus' young life.
Wow!
Jo INMN
Thursday, November 20, 2014
DINNER AT MARY'S
Before we go to dinner at Mary's, I need to remind each of us that our story's details are fiction! The Bible doesn't tell us that Joseph was handsome or that Hannah is crazily particular about her daughter's beaus. You will have to read the Bible to know what has been fictionalized here. You may ask, why turn the story into fiction? If one has a good imagination, one can get the picture nicely. But, the fictionalized version of this story, TWO FROM GALILEE, helped me, personally, to really care about the parents of the Lord Jesus and what they had to endure. Therefore, when we find we must endure something difficult, we understand the process a little better. Also, I want to remind you of our Scripture for this journey: Psalm124:8, "Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and Earth."
Now, about that dinner at Mary's! Knowing that he was in no position to compete with any other man for Mary, Joseph did not believe he should press his cause to marry Mary. As he walked toward Mary's house he felt shame and even bitterness for even considering a marriage with Mary or with anyone! He looked toward the sky and wished for a sign, but found the sky uncaring and empty. He almost turned back, when he remembered he had given himself the answers he wanted. If he truly worshiped God, he himself would not supply his own answers! Aloud, he said, "So be it!"
At Mary's, the meal was almost ready and she bustled from the spit outside to the table inside. Then she quickly peeked into her mother's room where Hannah lay on her bed with one hand holding a wet cloth upon her forehead. "Any better, Mother?" Mary asked.
"No, don't bother, Hannah answered. "There are worse things than a headache!" And Mary understood what worse pains Hannah was speaking about. She hurried out to bathe quickly, wishing she could bathe her whole body. But, she suspected Joseph would soon be there and as she pulled a clean, pale blue tunic on, its coolness calmed her somewhat. But, as she continued her toilette she almost began to cry. "No," she said as she stomped her foot, "I must not become hopeless!"
Joseph, eager to be there with Mary, was early. And Mary realized, "Already, the duck is partially burned. Mother is absent and Father is not home yet!" But, Mary greeted Joseph with her head high. "Peace be with you," she said, smiling, and thought, "Joseph had come! He was truly here!"
Hannah reappeared and while she and Mary finished up preparations for their dinner, Joseph played with some little ones near-by. Joachim was finally home and the dinner began. Although the duck was a bit crispy, they all tucked in happily. Joachim and Joseph discussed "many things" like Herod's restoration of the Temple and his attempt at peace. And from there the discussion began about the kinds of atrocities Herod had done, like murder, torture and putting his sons to death one after another. Mary was despairing, worrying her father might start an argument! But, Joachim staring at Joseph, felt respect and was surprisingly impressed. For some time they discussed politics, with Mary and Hannah tactfully silent. Finally, Joachim prodded Joseph, "Do you think Judah will ever enjoy better times?"
Joseph hesitated, then said, "There is only one real hope for Judah, and that is the coming of our promised ruler, the One that has been promised so long ago. We will know Him when He comes! The Lord will give us a sign."
That night sleep was a long time coming to Mary. A lizard ran up the wall; a mouse gnawed at some bit of garbage not swept. She prayed,"Lord, in the matter of marrying Joseph, I ask that your will be done." And finding peace, Mary finally slept." (End of today's chapter.)
Having left it up to God, our story's main characters are at peace. Isn't that the best way for each of us to handle our own problems? Do our best to listen to God's call and obey it? You bet!
Thanks for listening/reading/caring! See you again tomorrow!
Jo INMN
Now, about that dinner at Mary's! Knowing that he was in no position to compete with any other man for Mary, Joseph did not believe he should press his cause to marry Mary. As he walked toward Mary's house he felt shame and even bitterness for even considering a marriage with Mary or with anyone! He looked toward the sky and wished for a sign, but found the sky uncaring and empty. He almost turned back, when he remembered he had given himself the answers he wanted. If he truly worshiped God, he himself would not supply his own answers! Aloud, he said, "So be it!"
At Mary's, the meal was almost ready and she bustled from the spit outside to the table inside. Then she quickly peeked into her mother's room where Hannah lay on her bed with one hand holding a wet cloth upon her forehead. "Any better, Mother?" Mary asked.
"No, don't bother, Hannah answered. "There are worse things than a headache!" And Mary understood what worse pains Hannah was speaking about. She hurried out to bathe quickly, wishing she could bathe her whole body. But, she suspected Joseph would soon be there and as she pulled a clean, pale blue tunic on, its coolness calmed her somewhat. But, as she continued her toilette she almost began to cry. "No," she said as she stomped her foot, "I must not become hopeless!"
Joseph, eager to be there with Mary, was early. And Mary realized, "Already, the duck is partially burned. Mother is absent and Father is not home yet!" But, Mary greeted Joseph with her head high. "Peace be with you," she said, smiling, and thought, "Joseph had come! He was truly here!"
Hannah reappeared and while she and Mary finished up preparations for their dinner, Joseph played with some little ones near-by. Joachim was finally home and the dinner began. Although the duck was a bit crispy, they all tucked in happily. Joachim and Joseph discussed "many things" like Herod's restoration of the Temple and his attempt at peace. And from there the discussion began about the kinds of atrocities Herod had done, like murder, torture and putting his sons to death one after another. Mary was despairing, worrying her father might start an argument! But, Joachim staring at Joseph, felt respect and was surprisingly impressed. For some time they discussed politics, with Mary and Hannah tactfully silent. Finally, Joachim prodded Joseph, "Do you think Judah will ever enjoy better times?"
Joseph hesitated, then said, "There is only one real hope for Judah, and that is the coming of our promised ruler, the One that has been promised so long ago. We will know Him when He comes! The Lord will give us a sign."
That night sleep was a long time coming to Mary. A lizard ran up the wall; a mouse gnawed at some bit of garbage not swept. She prayed,"Lord, in the matter of marrying Joseph, I ask that your will be done." And finding peace, Mary finally slept." (End of today's chapter.)
Having left it up to God, our story's main characters are at peace. Isn't that the best way for each of us to handle our own problems? Do our best to listen to God's call and obey it? You bet!
Thanks for listening/reading/caring! See you again tomorrow!
Jo INMN
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
JOSEPH OF GALILEE
Again and for many more days, we will experience Psalm 124: "Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and Earth." We should be well "versed" in Psalm 124's first line and may even have memorized it before Christmas! It's a very good verse to know and to believe.
Now, what about Joseph? The village of Galilee knew Joseph to be unmarried and a fine, but poor carpenter working in his father's shop and living with his parents and their small children. Yet, he was a strong and special man to a young girl named Mary. He was not a "bad catch" as far as Mary was concerned, as he had paid attention to her even when she was a small child. Her own brother was ill, and not available for play, and Joseph was a natural big brother having that role in his own home. Besides, he liked Mary and noticed her more and more as she grew up.
He was tall and strong and the villagers saw how good he was. But they questioned, "Is he good enough for Mary? Or rather, is he good enough for Hannah, Mary's mother...the strongest woman in the village?
But, Joseph loved Mary and had loved her for a long time. He would do anything for her, even go before her mother and father with as much dignity and hope he could carry, if he ever would be asked to go before them!
Mary had managed to coerce her father, Joachim, into inviting Joseph for dinner. Her father faced Joseph at the carpentry shop and asked him for dinner, somewhat uncomfortable should Joseph accept, worrying about what Hannah would say and what he could find for a dinner entre that would be good enough for Hannah's pride to be satisfied.
The two men met at the doorway of the carpentry shop, both showing a bit of surprise as the invitation was given and accepted. As they faced each other, Joseph, knowing he was being examined thoroughly, gave a small, weak smile. His fair, passionate face had a steadfast look about it and his eyes, an uncomplicated gray, returned Joachim's look without flinching. He had a look of gentleness yet his body was hard and strong.
As the invitation was gladly accepted, and Joachim was leaving, Joseph was amazed at what had occurred. Would he be given a chance with Mary's family? His heart was in his throat and as he watched his visitor go up the hill, he braced himself in the doorway. "Did this really happen?" he asked, aloud. He felt the whole experience to be unreal. But, it was real, and he thought, "It's almost as if Jehovah, the God of all, had stepped down from his throne and affirmed me with Mary's love."
(Again, thanks to Marjorie Holmes, the author of TWO FROM GALILEE. I have tried not to copy her word for word in these scenes from her book, but must admit her words are often better than mine. I am in no way attempting to usurp her story, but I have borrowed its theme in order to help others understand this amazing relationship. Thank you, Ms. Holmes! I hope in the days remaining of this story those reading this will check out both the Bible and Ms. Holmes' book.)
And, my friends, I hope you are enjoying these pre-Christmas days!
Jo INMN
Now, what about Joseph? The village of Galilee knew Joseph to be unmarried and a fine, but poor carpenter working in his father's shop and living with his parents and their small children. Yet, he was a strong and special man to a young girl named Mary. He was not a "bad catch" as far as Mary was concerned, as he had paid attention to her even when she was a small child. Her own brother was ill, and not available for play, and Joseph was a natural big brother having that role in his own home. Besides, he liked Mary and noticed her more and more as she grew up.
He was tall and strong and the villagers saw how good he was. But they questioned, "Is he good enough for Mary? Or rather, is he good enough for Hannah, Mary's mother...the strongest woman in the village?
But, Joseph loved Mary and had loved her for a long time. He would do anything for her, even go before her mother and father with as much dignity and hope he could carry, if he ever would be asked to go before them!
Mary had managed to coerce her father, Joachim, into inviting Joseph for dinner. Her father faced Joseph at the carpentry shop and asked him for dinner, somewhat uncomfortable should Joseph accept, worrying about what Hannah would say and what he could find for a dinner entre that would be good enough for Hannah's pride to be satisfied.
The two men met at the doorway of the carpentry shop, both showing a bit of surprise as the invitation was given and accepted. As they faced each other, Joseph, knowing he was being examined thoroughly, gave a small, weak smile. His fair, passionate face had a steadfast look about it and his eyes, an uncomplicated gray, returned Joachim's look without flinching. He had a look of gentleness yet his body was hard and strong.
As the invitation was gladly accepted, and Joachim was leaving, Joseph was amazed at what had occurred. Would he be given a chance with Mary's family? His heart was in his throat and as he watched his visitor go up the hill, he braced himself in the doorway. "Did this really happen?" he asked, aloud. He felt the whole experience to be unreal. But, it was real, and he thought, "It's almost as if Jehovah, the God of all, had stepped down from his throne and affirmed me with Mary's love."
(Again, thanks to Marjorie Holmes, the author of TWO FROM GALILEE. I have tried not to copy her word for word in these scenes from her book, but must admit her words are often better than mine. I am in no way attempting to usurp her story, but I have borrowed its theme in order to help others understand this amazing relationship. Thank you, Ms. Holmes! I hope in the days remaining of this story those reading this will check out both the Bible and Ms. Holmes' book.)
And, my friends, I hope you are enjoying these pre-Christmas days!
Jo INMN
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
MARY OF GALILEE
Before I begin to describe Mary, may I say that Mary and Joseph may at times felt they were trapped by the events that came to them over the next few months. Although they had a very true love for each other, they did have some difficult things to accept and to which they had to adjust. Therefore, I would start with this message from Psalm 124:8,"Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." These words may have been repeated often by each of them or both of them together.
The study for those words you may or may not find helpful. "Do you ever feel trapped by over-whelming odds? With God, there is always a way out because he is the Creator of all that exists. No problem is beyond his ability to solve; no circumstance is too difficult for him." We only need to trust him and look for it." (End, study)
Now, we begin our look at the two who had one of the most wonderful, yet difficult, experiences to handle, Joseph and Mary of Galilee. Mary was barely a woman, a woman like other women and anxious today to find her beloved, Joseph. Surely, he would guess, as she would not tell him she was ready to marry, to bear his children and to live separately from her family, as they could now be "one."
Yes, she was just a woman, probably 13 years old. And like anyone in love, she was anxious to see her man. Mary's mother, Hannah, watched Mary skip down the path toward Joseph's home and felt herself getting older, knowing the hardship in the world for women. Mothers looked at their daughters in wonder, often thinking, "Could she be the One, the One to be the mother of the Anointed One?" And Hannah saw her daughter not as the One but just as beautiful and otherwise gifted, too. Mary was delicate, gentle, patient, and helpful with a surprisingly, wonderful wit.
Mary adored her father and favored him sometimes to the point of shutting out her mother. She composed her own songs and stories as well as singing the old psalms. Many young men showed interest in her, but her heart belonged to the older, more serious, more splendid, Joseph.
Hannah hoped Mary would marry someone with wealth and power and did not like to think of Mary with Joseph, marrying and living in this small village. Surely, her daughter could do better. Yet, Hannah knew, Joseph lingered often with Mary and they laughed together over many things!
Hannah held her breath when she watched the two of them together, afraid Mary's fate would be hard work and bearing children if she married the poor carpenter.
Thus ends the quick look at Mary's delight in her family and her love of a poor man. Only Hannah, her mother, found the plan for this marriage an affront to what was right.
A typical family of the world? No two people were as mis-matched and perhaps, unlikely, as Mary and Joseph, but we know better because of history and a book. Thanks to Marjorie Holmes, author of TWO FROM GALILEE.
Joseph's description and more will come tomorrow, I hope!
Jo INMN
The study for those words you may or may not find helpful. "Do you ever feel trapped by over-whelming odds? With God, there is always a way out because he is the Creator of all that exists. No problem is beyond his ability to solve; no circumstance is too difficult for him." We only need to trust him and look for it." (End, study)
Now, we begin our look at the two who had one of the most wonderful, yet difficult, experiences to handle, Joseph and Mary of Galilee. Mary was barely a woman, a woman like other women and anxious today to find her beloved, Joseph. Surely, he would guess, as she would not tell him she was ready to marry, to bear his children and to live separately from her family, as they could now be "one."
Yes, she was just a woman, probably 13 years old. And like anyone in love, she was anxious to see her man. Mary's mother, Hannah, watched Mary skip down the path toward Joseph's home and felt herself getting older, knowing the hardship in the world for women. Mothers looked at their daughters in wonder, often thinking, "Could she be the One, the One to be the mother of the Anointed One?" And Hannah saw her daughter not as the One but just as beautiful and otherwise gifted, too. Mary was delicate, gentle, patient, and helpful with a surprisingly, wonderful wit.
Mary adored her father and favored him sometimes to the point of shutting out her mother. She composed her own songs and stories as well as singing the old psalms. Many young men showed interest in her, but her heart belonged to the older, more serious, more splendid, Joseph.
Hannah hoped Mary would marry someone with wealth and power and did not like to think of Mary with Joseph, marrying and living in this small village. Surely, her daughter could do better. Yet, Hannah knew, Joseph lingered often with Mary and they laughed together over many things!
Hannah held her breath when she watched the two of them together, afraid Mary's fate would be hard work and bearing children if she married the poor carpenter.
Thus ends the quick look at Mary's delight in her family and her love of a poor man. Only Hannah, her mother, found the plan for this marriage an affront to what was right.
A typical family of the world? No two people were as mis-matched and perhaps, unlikely, as Mary and Joseph, but we know better because of history and a book. Thanks to Marjorie Holmes, author of TWO FROM GALILEE.
Joseph's description and more will come tomorrow, I hope!
Jo INMN
Monday, November 17, 2014
HEAR YE! AN AMAZING STORY!
In about 6 weeks it will be Christmas. You know Christmas? The time of year that you struggle trying to find just the right gifts for your loved ones on the basis of what you can afford to spend.? Sometimes it's hard to punch out the words "Merry Christmas" when your own life doesn't seem to be so merry. I would like so much for you to have a really merry Christmas...whatever it may take,
At our house we have a lot of work at Christmas. It is called work, but once it is done, it doesn't feel like we have worked at all. Many families bake cookies. We don't. We are just us two now and our grandkids are all grown. Besides the bakery does a better job at cookies than what I can do! But our biggest task is sending out Christmas letters. Some people call them brag sheets, but we don't like to brag as we are relatively ordinary, except in our love for the man Christmas is all about!
So, we begin to think about some kind of greeting to send out to new and old friends and find that the first idea is usually the best. So we'll get some kind of Christmas stationery we like, write a letter on plain paper and have it copied onto the fancy stuff. It takes two of us to get the job done. Then, we begin to watch for the letters and cards that roll in from many of the same people with their photos, or with a nice wish for us. It makes us feel good to hear from old friends and neighbors, find they are well and happy, and enjoying the time of Christmas.
And so, it is doubtful that I will be able to do a daily blog while this busy time occurs. But I do have a desire and hope to acknowledge any new friends I may have gained this past year. Therefore, I hope to write out the Christmas Story for you through my blog. So, keep checking in,
Many years ago, I read a book copyrighted in 1972 and written by Marjorie Holmes. It is called TWO FROM GALILEE, and is the love story of Mary and Joseph. Based on the Biblical story of Jesus birth, Mary, a young virgin and Joseph, her intended are thrown from the new task of tackling God's plan for their lives. Their betrothal has become bewildering and impractical, and...won't anybody understand?
I hope this intrigues you to stop by tomorrow when I get to start writing their wonderful story!
Looking forward to seeing you here tomorrow!
Jo INMN
At our house we have a lot of work at Christmas. It is called work, but once it is done, it doesn't feel like we have worked at all. Many families bake cookies. We don't. We are just us two now and our grandkids are all grown. Besides the bakery does a better job at cookies than what I can do! But our biggest task is sending out Christmas letters. Some people call them brag sheets, but we don't like to brag as we are relatively ordinary, except in our love for the man Christmas is all about!
So, we begin to think about some kind of greeting to send out to new and old friends and find that the first idea is usually the best. So we'll get some kind of Christmas stationery we like, write a letter on plain paper and have it copied onto the fancy stuff. It takes two of us to get the job done. Then, we begin to watch for the letters and cards that roll in from many of the same people with their photos, or with a nice wish for us. It makes us feel good to hear from old friends and neighbors, find they are well and happy, and enjoying the time of Christmas.
And so, it is doubtful that I will be able to do a daily blog while this busy time occurs. But I do have a desire and hope to acknowledge any new friends I may have gained this past year. Therefore, I hope to write out the Christmas Story for you through my blog. So, keep checking in,
Many years ago, I read a book copyrighted in 1972 and written by Marjorie Holmes. It is called TWO FROM GALILEE, and is the love story of Mary and Joseph. Based on the Biblical story of Jesus birth, Mary, a young virgin and Joseph, her intended are thrown from the new task of tackling God's plan for their lives. Their betrothal has become bewildering and impractical, and...won't anybody understand?
I hope this intrigues you to stop by tomorrow when I get to start writing their wonderful story!
Looking forward to seeing you here tomorrow!
Jo INMN
Saturday, November 15, 2014
WHY DID THIS HAPPEN TO ME?
I guess this question has been asked by each person that ever opened his eyes into this world. And this is the reason that I am going back to Job one more time. In Job 42, the last chapter in Job, Job is restored and finally gets his questions answered by God Himself.
Study/ "In response to God's speaking to Job, Job humbles himself to God and God rebukes Job's three friends for adding to Job's suffering by their false assumptions and critical attitudes. Job's material possessions and family are restored, and he receives even greater blessings than he had before. Those who persist in trusting God will be rewarded. And Job replied to the Lord, " I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted."
"It is foolish for people to think they can stand up against God when they are afraid of that which they cannot see or understand. Therefore, it is better to submit to God's loving authority than to face his wrath.
"Throughout the book of Job, Job's friends had asked him to admit his sin and ask for forgiveness and eventually Job did indeed repent. Ironically, Job's repentance was not the kind called for by his friends. He did not ask forgiveness for committing secret sins, but for questioning God's sovereignty and justice. Job repented of his attitude and acknowledged God's great power and perfect justice."
(End Study)
When we angrily ask, "If God is in control, how and why could he let this happen to us?" It is then we need to check ourselves to see if we are riding the same wrong pony as did Job. We will consider ourselves lucky if we have no friends that ask us, "What did you do wrong?" That was definitely Job's misfortune. Because we are locked into time,and unable to see beyond today, we cannot know the reasons for everything that happens to us. We have no way of knowing the future to tell us because this happened, then blank will be better, and blank will turn out really wonderfully well! No such luck. Our minds can only go back to Job's story and reflect on his mistakes. Then, go on to the powerful and loving God that we know. And there we will find comfort in knowing that He and only He knows how things will all turn out.
I repeated this lesson as it has been an especially hard one for myself and my family. I'm guessing all families have gone through something somewhat like Job did. Let us try to be glad and grateful for all things of God, whether they are hard to bear or easy.
And now to you, my friend, I wish easy does it, either way you need to go,
Jo INMN
Study/ "In response to God's speaking to Job, Job humbles himself to God and God rebukes Job's three friends for adding to Job's suffering by their false assumptions and critical attitudes. Job's material possessions and family are restored, and he receives even greater blessings than he had before. Those who persist in trusting God will be rewarded. And Job replied to the Lord, " I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted."
"It is foolish for people to think they can stand up against God when they are afraid of that which they cannot see or understand. Therefore, it is better to submit to God's loving authority than to face his wrath.
"Throughout the book of Job, Job's friends had asked him to admit his sin and ask for forgiveness and eventually Job did indeed repent. Ironically, Job's repentance was not the kind called for by his friends. He did not ask forgiveness for committing secret sins, but for questioning God's sovereignty and justice. Job repented of his attitude and acknowledged God's great power and perfect justice."
(End Study)
When we angrily ask, "If God is in control, how and why could he let this happen to us?" It is then we need to check ourselves to see if we are riding the same wrong pony as did Job. We will consider ourselves lucky if we have no friends that ask us, "What did you do wrong?" That was definitely Job's misfortune. Because we are locked into time,and unable to see beyond today, we cannot know the reasons for everything that happens to us. We have no way of knowing the future to tell us because this happened, then blank will be better, and blank will turn out really wonderfully well! No such luck. Our minds can only go back to Job's story and reflect on his mistakes. Then, go on to the powerful and loving God that we know. And there we will find comfort in knowing that He and only He knows how things will all turn out.
I repeated this lesson as it has been an especially hard one for myself and my family. I'm guessing all families have gone through something somewhat like Job did. Let us try to be glad and grateful for all things of God, whether they are hard to bear or easy.
And now to you, my friend, I wish easy does it, either way you need to go,
Jo INMN
Friday, November 14, 2014
PAUL'S EVIDENCE OF THE RESURRECTION
My journaling calendar suggested I read 1 Corinthians 15 and 16 today. There is enough teaching and sharing material in these two chapters to make 2 weeks of blogs! So, I will pick and choose what I think you would most like to understand. Paul still is a grand preacher and teacher, even centuries after his words were spoken in Corinth. Paul said in 1 Cor. 15:3-8, "For what I received I passed on to you, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than 500 of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living. Then he appeared to James (Jesus brother from Mary and Joseph), then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also."
Study/ Most churches contain people who do not yet believe in the Godliness of Christ. Some are moving in the direction of belief and others are simply pretending. Imposters, however, are not to be removed for that is the Lord's work alone. The Good News about Jesus Christ will saves us "if" we firmly believe it and faithfully follow it.
There will always be people who say that Jesus was a good man but didn't rise from the dead, therefore, he was not God. Paul assures us that many people saw Jesus after his resurrection, as stated in the Scripture above. The resurrection is an historical fact. Don't be discouraged by doubters who deny the resurrection. Be filled with hope because of the knowledge that one day you, and they, will see the living proof when Christ returns.
Many have tried to give explanations for the empty tomb to prove that Jesus did not rise from the grave. One claim is: Jesus was only unconscious and later revived. The evidence against this claim is: A Roman soldier told Pilate that Jesus was dead in Mark 15:44,45. Also, in John 9:32-34, The Roman soldiers did not break Jesus' legs, because he had already died and one of them pierced Jesus' side with a spear. Also, in John 19:38-40, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus wrapped Jesus' body and placed it in the tomb.
A second claim is that the women made a mistake and went to the wrong tomb when they went to place herbs on the body. But in Matthew 27:59-61, Mark 15:47, and Luke 23:55 Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of Joses, saw Jesus placed at death in the same tomb. On Sunday a.m., Peter and John also went to the same tomb as the women in John 20:3-9.
A third claim is that unknown thieves or the disciples stole Jesus' body. There is also evidence against this claim as well. The tomb was sealed and guarded by Roman soldiers as told in Mt. 27:65,66. The disciples were ready to die for their faith. Stealing Jesus' body would have been admitting that their faith was meaningless.
A fourth claim is that the religious leaders stole Jesus' body to produce it later. If the religious leaders stole Jesus' body they would have produced it right away to stop the rumors of his resurrection.
(End notes on Study)
Jesus is God in human form! God is the miracle maker as He made Heaven and Earth and all the Solar System. He made humans to enjoy them. God does what He wants and what He needs to do. He desired to love humanity although all humans are imperfect and broken. It was His love for us that He came in human form and revealed Himself to us, as Jesus Christ. He can do as He pleases in the world, and he pleased Himself by becoming Himself on earth, then died and was resurrected as the son, who then returned to the Father and sits on His right hand. If not for Jesus death and resurrection, we would not have his Spirit who lives within those who believe in His life, His death and His resurrection.
How can we not agree with God's plan? Personally, I really like His plan and live in Him and He in me. I am so glad God made it possible for me to become more than I was. And I am so glad that I will still become more than I now am. Thank you, Lord God!
Are you with me?
Jo INMN
Study/ Most churches contain people who do not yet believe in the Godliness of Christ. Some are moving in the direction of belief and others are simply pretending. Imposters, however, are not to be removed for that is the Lord's work alone. The Good News about Jesus Christ will saves us "if" we firmly believe it and faithfully follow it.
There will always be people who say that Jesus was a good man but didn't rise from the dead, therefore, he was not God. Paul assures us that many people saw Jesus after his resurrection, as stated in the Scripture above. The resurrection is an historical fact. Don't be discouraged by doubters who deny the resurrection. Be filled with hope because of the knowledge that one day you, and they, will see the living proof when Christ returns.
Many have tried to give explanations for the empty tomb to prove that Jesus did not rise from the grave. One claim is: Jesus was only unconscious and later revived. The evidence against this claim is: A Roman soldier told Pilate that Jesus was dead in Mark 15:44,45. Also, in John 9:32-34, The Roman soldiers did not break Jesus' legs, because he had already died and one of them pierced Jesus' side with a spear. Also, in John 19:38-40, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus wrapped Jesus' body and placed it in the tomb.
A second claim is that the women made a mistake and went to the wrong tomb when they went to place herbs on the body. But in Matthew 27:59-61, Mark 15:47, and Luke 23:55 Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of Joses, saw Jesus placed at death in the same tomb. On Sunday a.m., Peter and John also went to the same tomb as the women in John 20:3-9.
A third claim is that unknown thieves or the disciples stole Jesus' body. There is also evidence against this claim as well. The tomb was sealed and guarded by Roman soldiers as told in Mt. 27:65,66. The disciples were ready to die for their faith. Stealing Jesus' body would have been admitting that their faith was meaningless.
A fourth claim is that the religious leaders stole Jesus' body to produce it later. If the religious leaders stole Jesus' body they would have produced it right away to stop the rumors of his resurrection.
(End notes on Study)
Jesus is God in human form! God is the miracle maker as He made Heaven and Earth and all the Solar System. He made humans to enjoy them. God does what He wants and what He needs to do. He desired to love humanity although all humans are imperfect and broken. It was His love for us that He came in human form and revealed Himself to us, as Jesus Christ. He can do as He pleases in the world, and he pleased Himself by becoming Himself on earth, then died and was resurrected as the son, who then returned to the Father and sits on His right hand. If not for Jesus death and resurrection, we would not have his Spirit who lives within those who believe in His life, His death and His resurrection.
How can we not agree with God's plan? Personally, I really like His plan and live in Him and He in me. I am so glad God made it possible for me to become more than I was. And I am so glad that I will still become more than I now am. Thank you, Lord God!
Are you with me?
Jo INMN
Thursday, November 13, 2014
LOVE--THE GREATEST GIFT
God is a gift giver. But he does not give us gifts for ourselves, but for serving Christ in the world. Each of us is part of Christ, therefore we are part of the body of Christ which is often called the Church. If you have accepted Christ as savior and enjoy his love, you are part of the Body of Christ.
God has appointed those who have received His gifts to each one share his or her gift with the rest of God's people. There are many gifts according to 1 Cor. 12:28: apostles, prophets, teachers, workers of miracles, healers, helpers, administrators, some also who may speak in tongues, an unknown language, and some who interpret those whose speech is unknown. But, God stresses in Paul's letter to Corinth that no gift is greater than another, and those who do not use their gifts with love, gain nothing--nothing for themselves, nothing for the church and nothing for Christ.
Study/ "God's kind of love is directed toward others, not inward toward ourselves and what it does for us, our feelings and our pride. God's love is utterly unselfish and goes against our natural inclinations. It is possible to practice this love only if God helps us set aside our own desires and instincts, so that we can give love while expecting nothing in return. Thus, the more we become like Christ, the more of God's love we will show to others. Love is the greatest of human qualities and is an attribute of God Himself. (End Study notes)
Love is something worth praying for and that prayer must never cease. We are being attacked in this world with unloving situations and it would be... Oh, so easy....to retaliate with un-love,, which is a natural instinct for most of us. These days some people are passing along loving gestures--helping to pay for groceries for someone stuck in the line without her billfold, or paying for a coffee for the next in line. Or for a toll for the next car coming through. Love makes small entrances into lives every now and then. Even if we pay it forward for some nice gesture, it is only a beginning to love. Love is not making rash decisions about people because of their color or because of where they live. Love is turning the other cheek when someone is rude or hurtful, and so saying nothing, or saying "God bless you, " instead. Love is even forgiving your husband if he forgets an anniversary! (That one's for me!) Love can be anywhere and everywhere if we each made a real Godly effort!
I hope you will, and I hope you will pray for me that I don't forget to love someone who seems rather unlovable to me. It ain't gonna be easy, but we can do it!!!
Loving you all to pieces,
Jo INMN
God has appointed those who have received His gifts to each one share his or her gift with the rest of God's people. There are many gifts according to 1 Cor. 12:28: apostles, prophets, teachers, workers of miracles, healers, helpers, administrators, some also who may speak in tongues, an unknown language, and some who interpret those whose speech is unknown. But, God stresses in Paul's letter to Corinth that no gift is greater than another, and those who do not use their gifts with love, gain nothing--nothing for themselves, nothing for the church and nothing for Christ.
Study/ "God's kind of love is directed toward others, not inward toward ourselves and what it does for us, our feelings and our pride. God's love is utterly unselfish and goes against our natural inclinations. It is possible to practice this love only if God helps us set aside our own desires and instincts, so that we can give love while expecting nothing in return. Thus, the more we become like Christ, the more of God's love we will show to others. Love is the greatest of human qualities and is an attribute of God Himself. (End Study notes)
Love is something worth praying for and that prayer must never cease. We are being attacked in this world with unloving situations and it would be... Oh, so easy....to retaliate with un-love,, which is a natural instinct for most of us. These days some people are passing along loving gestures--helping to pay for groceries for someone stuck in the line without her billfold, or paying for a coffee for the next in line. Or for a toll for the next car coming through. Love makes small entrances into lives every now and then. Even if we pay it forward for some nice gesture, it is only a beginning to love. Love is not making rash decisions about people because of their color or because of where they live. Love is turning the other cheek when someone is rude or hurtful, and so saying nothing, or saying "God bless you, " instead. Love is even forgiving your husband if he forgets an anniversary! (That one's for me!) Love can be anywhere and everywhere if we each made a real Godly effort!
I hope you will, and I hope you will pray for me that I don't forget to love someone who seems rather unlovable to me. It ain't gonna be easy, but we can do it!!!
Loving you all to pieces,
Jo INMN
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
TRUST GOD'S WAY
If a woman loses a husband to death or a husband loses a wife, is there not a law that says, "unfair, unfair"? If a family loses a son or daughter due to a heroin overdose in spite of much prayer, is it fair? If one mother prays for reconciliation with a son and another mother prays for her son's reconciliation, and only one son becomes reconciled, is it fair to the remaining mother?
Life is filled with unfairness. How do we look at God when life is unfair? Job 38:2, 36, 37speaks to just this question. God finally answers Job's questions to Him, "Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge?" And later, "Who endowed the heart with wisdom or gave understanding to the mind? Who has the wisdom to count the clouds?"
Study/ "Instead of answering Job's question, "Why me?", God asks Job a series of questions that no human could possible answer. God was not seeking answers from Job. Instead, he was getting Job to recognize and submit to God's power and sovereignty. Only then could Job hear what God was really saying to him. God himself is the standard of justice, using his power according to his own moral perfection. Thus, whatever He does is fair, even if we don't understand it. Our response is to appeal directly to him."
Yes, appeal to God, for there is no law of fairness. We must remember to accept what is given to us and know by faith that God uses his power according to his own moral perfection. His way is perfect.
Hard to accept? Maybe. But we can't all be presidents of the United States, either. Some of us may be given great wealth with lots of money in the bank, others have not, but may have great wealth in some other manner, like family, love, Godliness, talent, or blue eyes rather than brown, or brown eyes rather than blue. We cannot expect fairness as we understand it. God's way is God's way, and His way is always for the best.
It can all be considered fair if we have faith in God's decisions, and remember to thank him daily for all he has given to each of us. And if someone gets to have a new baby in time for being able to claim him or her on that year's tax forms, just call it "luck."
Some of us are, some of us ain't...lucky, that is. I am, for sure, and I am also blessed!! I hope you, too, are blessed. You are, if you love God!
Jo INMN
Life is filled with unfairness. How do we look at God when life is unfair? Job 38:2, 36, 37speaks to just this question. God finally answers Job's questions to Him, "Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge?" And later, "Who endowed the heart with wisdom or gave understanding to the mind? Who has the wisdom to count the clouds?"
Study/ "Instead of answering Job's question, "Why me?", God asks Job a series of questions that no human could possible answer. God was not seeking answers from Job. Instead, he was getting Job to recognize and submit to God's power and sovereignty. Only then could Job hear what God was really saying to him. God himself is the standard of justice, using his power according to his own moral perfection. Thus, whatever He does is fair, even if we don't understand it. Our response is to appeal directly to him."
Yes, appeal to God, for there is no law of fairness. We must remember to accept what is given to us and know by faith that God uses his power according to his own moral perfection. His way is perfect.
Hard to accept? Maybe. But we can't all be presidents of the United States, either. Some of us may be given great wealth with lots of money in the bank, others have not, but may have great wealth in some other manner, like family, love, Godliness, talent, or blue eyes rather than brown, or brown eyes rather than blue. We cannot expect fairness as we understand it. God's way is God's way, and His way is always for the best.
It can all be considered fair if we have faith in God's decisions, and remember to thank him daily for all he has given to each of us. And if someone gets to have a new baby in time for being able to claim him or her on that year's tax forms, just call it "luck."
Some of us are, some of us ain't...lucky, that is. I am, for sure, and I am also blessed!! I hope you, too, are blessed. You are, if you love God!
Jo INMN
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
WHY CHURCH? WHY PRAYER?
Psalm 122 is a lovely psalm. I am so glad that it came up in my journaling book today. I thought I should share it with you, as it's a good one to hear. Verses 1,2,& 4 speak to me about our places of worship: "I rejoiced with those who said to me, "Let us go to the house of the Lord. Our feet are standing in your gates, O Jerusalem. That is where the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, to praise the name of the Lord according to the statute given to Israel."
Study/ "Going to God's house can be a chore or delight. For King David, who wrote the psalm, it was a great delight. He rejoiced to worship with God's people in God's house. We may find worship a chore if we have un-confessed sin or if our love for God has cooled. But if we are close to God and enjoy his presence, we will be eager to worship and praise him. Our attitude toward God will determine our view of worship.
Psalm 122:6 reads, "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May those who love you be secure." This verse teaches us even in the beginning of "churches" the one who prays is not to always pray for his own peace and prosperity, but for that of his brothers and friends. This is intercessory prayer, prayer on behalf of others. Too often we are quick to pray for our own needs and desires, and omit interceding for others." (End Study)
Good idea! Let us intercede for someone in need today and remember to intercede for someone else each time we pray. Interceding in prayer for someone else is a fine attribute to offer God. It may become your gift to God....and that would be wonderful!
My dear friend, may God bless you and keep you today and always. I pray that whatever hurts today will be painless tomorrow and that you find peace and joy in whatever you do. And may you find a place to worship with others and may those times of worship be delightful!
I'll be one of the crowd, smiling!
Jo INMN
Study/ "Going to God's house can be a chore or delight. For King David, who wrote the psalm, it was a great delight. He rejoiced to worship with God's people in God's house. We may find worship a chore if we have un-confessed sin or if our love for God has cooled. But if we are close to God and enjoy his presence, we will be eager to worship and praise him. Our attitude toward God will determine our view of worship.
Psalm 122:6 reads, "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May those who love you be secure." This verse teaches us even in the beginning of "churches" the one who prays is not to always pray for his own peace and prosperity, but for that of his brothers and friends. This is intercessory prayer, prayer on behalf of others. Too often we are quick to pray for our own needs and desires, and omit interceding for others." (End Study)
Good idea! Let us intercede for someone in need today and remember to intercede for someone else each time we pray. Interceding in prayer for someone else is a fine attribute to offer God. It may become your gift to God....and that would be wonderful!
My dear friend, may God bless you and keep you today and always. I pray that whatever hurts today will be painless tomorrow and that you find peace and joy in whatever you do. And may you find a place to worship with others and may those times of worship be delightful!
I'll be one of the crowd, smiling!
Jo INMN
Monday, November 10, 2014
CALL ON THE SPIRIT FOR LOVE
1 Cor. 8:1-3 says, "We know that we all possess knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know. But the man who loves God is known by God."
I pass on this subject right to The Study of this scripture. Here is what the study says: " Love is more important than knowledge. Knowledge can make us look good and feel important, but we can all too easily develop an arrogant, know-it-all attitude. Many people with strong opinions are unwilling to listen to and learn from God and others. We can obtain God's knowledge only by loving Him. (see James 3:17-18) And we can know and be known by God only when we model Him by showing love. (1 John 4:7-8)"
Paul's advice to the people of Corinth came from the Holy Spirit within him. His instructions to the Corinthians on loving God and how we can love each other are directly from the Spirit. His convictions are based on God's Word and not an expression of his opinion.
Loving God is the answer to all questions and appropriate in all situations. When our hearts are truly devoted to God, there is no space in our hearts to hate, to be bothered, troubled or angry. There is no corner of our hearts to hold selfishness or self-centeredness. When any "self" problems or situations arise send out an SOS, "Search Out the Spirit." Speak to the Holy Spirit who is always only a prayer away. The Spirit will show us the loving way, God's way, of loving a person or situation that requires special love and attention.
It is NOT all in the wrist! but in the heart! Not easy, but important!
Lovingly, JO inMN
I pass on this subject right to The Study of this scripture. Here is what the study says: " Love is more important than knowledge. Knowledge can make us look good and feel important, but we can all too easily develop an arrogant, know-it-all attitude. Many people with strong opinions are unwilling to listen to and learn from God and others. We can obtain God's knowledge only by loving Him. (see James 3:17-18) And we can know and be known by God only when we model Him by showing love. (1 John 4:7-8)"
Paul's advice to the people of Corinth came from the Holy Spirit within him. His instructions to the Corinthians on loving God and how we can love each other are directly from the Spirit. His convictions are based on God's Word and not an expression of his opinion.
Loving God is the answer to all questions and appropriate in all situations. When our hearts are truly devoted to God, there is no space in our hearts to hate, to be bothered, troubled or angry. There is no corner of our hearts to hold selfishness or self-centeredness. When any "self" problems or situations arise send out an SOS, "Search Out the Spirit." Speak to the Holy Spirit who is always only a prayer away. The Spirit will show us the loving way, God's way, of loving a person or situation that requires special love and attention.
It is NOT all in the wrist! but in the heart! Not easy, but important!
Lovingly, JO inMN
Saturday, November 8, 2014
SIN AND SUFFERING
This morning in our journaling we were asked to revisit Job. So, we shall, once again, see Job and his three friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zopher. However, a fourth, new friend has arrived, a young man named Elihu. Elihu had just been standing near-by and could hardly wait, I think, to introduce his viewpoint to the four friends.
Study/ "While Job's three friends said Job was suffering from past sins, which Job denied, Elihu said Job's suffering would not go away until he recognized his present sin. He maintained that Job wasn't suffering because of sin, he was sinning because of suffering. Elihu pointed out that Job's attitude had become arrogant as he tried to defend his innocence. Elihu also said that suffering is not meant to punish us as much as it is meant to correct and restore us, to keep us on the right path. Elihu urged Job to look at his suffering from a different perspective and with a greater purpose in mind.
Although Elihu spoke on a higher spiritual plateau than the others and was right about some things, he still wrongly assumed a correct response to suffering. He claimed suffering always brings healing and restoration and that suffering is always in some way connected to sin. This is not so. Our greatest test may be that we must trust God's goodness even though we don't understand as our lives are going in an adverse direction from our prospective. We must learn to trust in God who is good, and not in the goodness of life." (end Study)
It seems to be that this is one of the most difficult lessons we Christians have to learn. First of all, if our life is going hay-wire, we want to blame somebody! But God, continually calling us throughout our lives to come up higher and higher, allows us to sometimes stumble, sometimes fall, growing and becoming more and more like Him through every heartache, every catastrophe. We would like life to be all sunshine and roses. It is not. Life on earth is preparation for life to come with God. How wonderful when we learn to thank God for our difficulties. I hope and pray the words "if we learn to thank God for our difficulties" is no longer appropriate.
I do thank God for today, whatever it may bring, and I pray that tomorrow I will still thank God.
Will you?
Jo INMN
Study/ "While Job's three friends said Job was suffering from past sins, which Job denied, Elihu said Job's suffering would not go away until he recognized his present sin. He maintained that Job wasn't suffering because of sin, he was sinning because of suffering. Elihu pointed out that Job's attitude had become arrogant as he tried to defend his innocence. Elihu also said that suffering is not meant to punish us as much as it is meant to correct and restore us, to keep us on the right path. Elihu urged Job to look at his suffering from a different perspective and with a greater purpose in mind.
Although Elihu spoke on a higher spiritual plateau than the others and was right about some things, he still wrongly assumed a correct response to suffering. He claimed suffering always brings healing and restoration and that suffering is always in some way connected to sin. This is not so. Our greatest test may be that we must trust God's goodness even though we don't understand as our lives are going in an adverse direction from our prospective. We must learn to trust in God who is good, and not in the goodness of life." (end Study)
It seems to be that this is one of the most difficult lessons we Christians have to learn. First of all, if our life is going hay-wire, we want to blame somebody! But God, continually calling us throughout our lives to come up higher and higher, allows us to sometimes stumble, sometimes fall, growing and becoming more and more like Him through every heartache, every catastrophe. We would like life to be all sunshine and roses. It is not. Life on earth is preparation for life to come with God. How wonderful when we learn to thank God for our difficulties. I hope and pray the words "if we learn to thank God for our difficulties" is no longer appropriate.
I do thank God for today, whatever it may bring, and I pray that tomorrow I will still thank God.
Will you?
Jo INMN
Friday, November 7, 2014
BECOME AWARE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
In Galatians 5:5 we learn "By faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope. The only act that counts is faith expressing itself through love."
Yesterday, together we examined whether or not Christians had "rules." It would be so much easier to make a check-list of "rules" so we could check off one at a time as we obeyed them. But--it ain't so! Oh! No! All the obeyed rules in the world would not make us righteous; righteousness only comes through faith alone.
Let's look again at the hope for righteousness and what it entails and what it does not entail:
1. Don't attempt to save ourselves by keeping laws. This practice only separates us from God and causes us to become satisfied and proud. This will not bring us righteousness. 2. Do pray for the Holy Spirit to guide us in all things. Listen for His answers. Through Christ we are made right with God.
Study/ "Each day controlled and guided by the Holy Spirit will bring the words of Christ into our minds, the love of Christ into our actions, and the power of Christ controlling our selfish desires. If we try to follow the Spirit by our own human effort, we will fail. Our only way to freedom from our own selfish desires is through the empowering of the Holy Spirit."
It appears to me that I must pray that I can only trust the Holy Spirit, therefore I must pray that the Holy Spirit will become real to me. How does one trust it is the Spirit whispering to me, and not my own self? I believe I must constantly pray for the Holy Spirit to manifest Himself to me and correct my actions if I have misplayed them. Whenever I am reminded of Jesus in my daily work, etc., I smile and thank Jesus for His love for me. Whenever I am unsure of something, I ask Jesus for His help. Constant awareness of Jesus throughout my day surely brings the Holy Spirit closer and closer to me. This I believe, and hope. And I hope this helps you.
What we are asking of ourselves is time-consuming, but worth the effort. I wish I had known this long ago. I could have avoided a lot of pain, if I had been practicing being aware of God. I can't help but smile when I think of God looking at His loved ones who are beginning to see Him in all things, thank Him for all things, and beg Him for help in all things puzzling and frightening. It makes me feel happy and very close to Him.
I wish you joy and happiness, too, in all things and in all ways.
Jo INMN
Yesterday, together we examined whether or not Christians had "rules." It would be so much easier to make a check-list of "rules" so we could check off one at a time as we obeyed them. But--it ain't so! Oh! No! All the obeyed rules in the world would not make us righteous; righteousness only comes through faith alone.
Let's look again at the hope for righteousness and what it entails and what it does not entail:
1. Don't attempt to save ourselves by keeping laws. This practice only separates us from God and causes us to become satisfied and proud. This will not bring us righteousness. 2. Do pray for the Holy Spirit to guide us in all things. Listen for His answers. Through Christ we are made right with God.
Study/ "Each day controlled and guided by the Holy Spirit will bring the words of Christ into our minds, the love of Christ into our actions, and the power of Christ controlling our selfish desires. If we try to follow the Spirit by our own human effort, we will fail. Our only way to freedom from our own selfish desires is through the empowering of the Holy Spirit."
It appears to me that I must pray that I can only trust the Holy Spirit, therefore I must pray that the Holy Spirit will become real to me. How does one trust it is the Spirit whispering to me, and not my own self? I believe I must constantly pray for the Holy Spirit to manifest Himself to me and correct my actions if I have misplayed them. Whenever I am reminded of Jesus in my daily work, etc., I smile and thank Jesus for His love for me. Whenever I am unsure of something, I ask Jesus for His help. Constant awareness of Jesus throughout my day surely brings the Holy Spirit closer and closer to me. This I believe, and hope. And I hope this helps you.
What we are asking of ourselves is time-consuming, but worth the effort. I wish I had known this long ago. I could have avoided a lot of pain, if I had been practicing being aware of God. I can't help but smile when I think of God looking at His loved ones who are beginning to see Him in all things, thank Him for all things, and beg Him for help in all things puzzling and frightening. It makes me feel happy and very close to Him.
I wish you joy and happiness, too, in all things and in all ways.
Jo INMN
Thursday, November 6, 2014
DO CHRISTIANS HAVE RULES?
In Paul's letter to the Galatians, Chapter 3, beginning with verse 14, it reads, "Christ redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham (in the Old Testament, "Blessed is the man of faith") , the blessing might come to the Gentiles (non-Jews) through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit."
Study/ "The promise of God to Abraham was to be saved by faith, and this promise has not been revoked though thousands of years have passed. God saved Abraham through Abraham's faith, and he blessed the world by sending Christ the Messiah as one of Abraham's descendants. Circumstances may change, but God remains constant and does not break His promises. He has promised to forgive our sins through Jesus Christ, and we can be sure that He will do so.
Although faith is the only way to be saved, the law (rules) shows how to obey God in grateful response. The more we know God, the more we see how sinful we are. That is why we are driven to depend on our faith in Christ alone for our salvation." (end of study remarks)
We, the people of God, are not without sin. We may obey properly the Ten Commandments, but as human beings we tend to consistently fail to be kind, cooperative, loving, thoughtful, generous and other good acts. In fact, we are apt to be rude, self-seeking, angered, proud, thoughtless, stubborn, and much more. All of these, God forgives, but He asks that we recognize our failures and come to Him with a repentant heart. Our repentance is an act of loving God. And God, loving us in return, asked Jesus Christ many years ago to die on a cross because of our--yours and my--sinful natures. We are forgiven! Thanks be to Christ!
It seems to me, being human and being Christian can only work if I am repentant And I must not forget to be thankful, thankful to God who loved me enough to include me among those who gather in His name.
Do you know that old hymn, "Let Us Gather At the River"? the beautiful, beautiful river? That's what is going through my mind right now. Waiting for Jesus...by the river. Are you with me?
Jo INMN
Study/ "The promise of God to Abraham was to be saved by faith, and this promise has not been revoked though thousands of years have passed. God saved Abraham through Abraham's faith, and he blessed the world by sending Christ the Messiah as one of Abraham's descendants. Circumstances may change, but God remains constant and does not break His promises. He has promised to forgive our sins through Jesus Christ, and we can be sure that He will do so.
Although faith is the only way to be saved, the law (rules) shows how to obey God in grateful response. The more we know God, the more we see how sinful we are. That is why we are driven to depend on our faith in Christ alone for our salvation." (end of study remarks)
We, the people of God, are not without sin. We may obey properly the Ten Commandments, but as human beings we tend to consistently fail to be kind, cooperative, loving, thoughtful, generous and other good acts. In fact, we are apt to be rude, self-seeking, angered, proud, thoughtless, stubborn, and much more. All of these, God forgives, but He asks that we recognize our failures and come to Him with a repentant heart. Our repentance is an act of loving God. And God, loving us in return, asked Jesus Christ many years ago to die on a cross because of our--yours and my--sinful natures. We are forgiven! Thanks be to Christ!
It seems to me, being human and being Christian can only work if I am repentant And I must not forget to be thankful, thankful to God who loved me enough to include me among those who gather in His name.
Do you know that old hymn, "Let Us Gather At the River"? the beautiful, beautiful river? That's what is going through my mind right now. Waiting for Jesus...by the river. Are you with me?
Jo INMN
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
WHERE DOES WISDOM COME FROM?
Today the blog will be based on Job, Chapter 28:20-28, which deals with the beginning of wisdom. Some say wisdom is hidden from the eyes of every living thing, concealed even from the birds of the air. Destruction and Death say, "Only a rumor of it has reached our ears." Only God understands the way to wisdom! He alone knows where it dwells, for he views the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens. And he said to man, "The fear of the Lord--that is wisdom and to shun evil is understanding."
Study: We must first look at Job and his friends and their different ideas of how people become wise. Eliphaz' attitude toward wisdom and toward God is: "I have personally observed how God works and have figured him out." Bildad's attitude was based on knowledge from the past. "Those who have gone before us figured God out and all we have to do is use that knowledge." Zophar thought himself wise and therefore wisdom belonged to him. He believed, "The wise know what God is like, but there aren't many of us around." Then there is Job who rightly believed, "God is the source of wisdom, and the first step toward wisdom is to fear God, by humbly trusting Him. God will then reveal His wisdom to you."
As a longer-living person than most, I know what it means to have "street smarts." I don't always trust every single person on the street. There is some good, I believe, in being wise in the ways of the world, so we are not suckered into every little thing offered to us, no matter how insulting. We all need some understanding and make some boundaries so we are not hounded to death over some asinine "deal". But wisdom? That's another thing. Wisdom is having the knowledge of right vs wrong as God would want us to have. There is nothing as right as the righteousness of God and nothing as fine as His leading us to that rightness.
Understanding the ways of God may take a while. Reading the Word of God, praying, trusting in the Holy Spirit's guidance, listening to others who have received wisdom, sharing what you have learned about God with another, shunning evil...all these things and perhaps more will lead us all in the right path. God wants us to be wise in Him in order to help others find Him and His righteousness.
So, hats off to Wisdom which comes from God! Nothing like it in the world!
Let's do it!
Jo INMN
Study: We must first look at Job and his friends and their different ideas of how people become wise. Eliphaz' attitude toward wisdom and toward God is: "I have personally observed how God works and have figured him out." Bildad's attitude was based on knowledge from the past. "Those who have gone before us figured God out and all we have to do is use that knowledge." Zophar thought himself wise and therefore wisdom belonged to him. He believed, "The wise know what God is like, but there aren't many of us around." Then there is Job who rightly believed, "God is the source of wisdom, and the first step toward wisdom is to fear God, by humbly trusting Him. God will then reveal His wisdom to you."
As a longer-living person than most, I know what it means to have "street smarts." I don't always trust every single person on the street. There is some good, I believe, in being wise in the ways of the world, so we are not suckered into every little thing offered to us, no matter how insulting. We all need some understanding and make some boundaries so we are not hounded to death over some asinine "deal". But wisdom? That's another thing. Wisdom is having the knowledge of right vs wrong as God would want us to have. There is nothing as right as the righteousness of God and nothing as fine as His leading us to that rightness.
Understanding the ways of God may take a while. Reading the Word of God, praying, trusting in the Holy Spirit's guidance, listening to others who have received wisdom, sharing what you have learned about God with another, shunning evil...all these things and perhaps more will lead us all in the right path. God wants us to be wise in Him in order to help others find Him and His righteousness.
So, hats off to Wisdom which comes from God! Nothing like it in the world!
Let's do it!
Jo INMN
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
THE ANOINTING OF JESUS
In Mark 14, while the religious leaders of Jerusalem were planning to kill Jesus, there is a lovely story of a woman who anointed Jesus with perfume. It happened when Jesus was in Bethany at table in the home of Simon the Leper. Bethany was located on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives, while Jerusalem was on the western slope. Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus also lived in Bethany. When Mary heard of Simon's dinner with Jesus as guest, Mary entered the room where the men were dining and approached Jesus with an alabaster jar of pure nard, a very fine perfume. When she came to Jesus, she broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head. Some men present were aghast at the waste and rebuked Mary for not giving the gift to the poor. But Jesus said in Mark 14:6, "Leave her alone! Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you and you can help them anytime you want. But you will not always have me. She did what she could; she poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."
Study: "This story may have been chosen to show the complete love that those who knew Jesus were capable of when at the same time others desired his death. It shows us the essence of worshiping Christ is to regard Him with utmost love, respect, and devotion and to be wiling to sacrifice to Him what is most precious in spite of what the world at large desires of us."
I cannot say this any clearer than what has already been said. It is a challenge for me, and for all who represent love of Jesus Christ to have a sacrificial attitude. The world has taught us to look out for ourselves; do not waste what comes at great expense; no one will take care of you better than you yourself; waste not; want not; if you itch, scratch. (Well, maybe not this last one.) Jesus says quite the opposite: Take care of those in need. This is hard to remember, and hard sometimes to do. but we must do our utmost.
So, upward and onward. Help us, Lord Jesus, to do what your desire of us to do. Feed your sheep.
Love from the "getting colder up here state of MN",
Jo inMN
Study: "This story may have been chosen to show the complete love that those who knew Jesus were capable of when at the same time others desired his death. It shows us the essence of worshiping Christ is to regard Him with utmost love, respect, and devotion and to be wiling to sacrifice to Him what is most precious in spite of what the world at large desires of us."
I cannot say this any clearer than what has already been said. It is a challenge for me, and for all who represent love of Jesus Christ to have a sacrificial attitude. The world has taught us to look out for ourselves; do not waste what comes at great expense; no one will take care of you better than you yourself; waste not; want not; if you itch, scratch. (Well, maybe not this last one.) Jesus says quite the opposite: Take care of those in need. This is hard to remember, and hard sometimes to do. but we must do our utmost.
So, upward and onward. Help us, Lord Jesus, to do what your desire of us to do. Feed your sheep.
Love from the "getting colder up here state of MN",
Jo inMN
Monday, November 3, 2014
WHAT JESUS SAID ABOUT LOVE
I am amazed at the excellent referrals to God's love made by Jesus that we have in the Old and New Testaments! In my remarkable bible (Life Application Study bible, NIV version) there is a list which I have copied below:
God loves us: John 3:16
We are to love God: Matthew 22:37
Because God loves us, he cares for us: Matthew 6:25-34
God wants everyone to know how much he loves them: John 17:23
God loves even those who hate him; we are to do the same: Matthew 5:43-47; Luke 6:35
God seeks out even those most alienated from him: Luke 15
God must be your first love: Matthew 6:24; 10:37
You show your love for God when you obey him: John 14:21, 15:10
God loves Jesus, his Son: John 5:20; 10:17
Jesus loves God; John 14:31
Those who refuse Jesus don't have God's love: John 5:41-44
Jesus loves us just as God loves Jesus: John 15:9
Jesus proved his love for us by dying on the cross
so that we could live eternally with him: John 3:14; 15; 15:13,14
The love between God and Jesus is the perfect example
of how we are to love others: John 17:21-26
We are to love one another (John 13:34, 35) and demonstrate that love: Matthew 5:40-42; 10:42
We are not to love the praise of men (John 12:43), selfish recognition (Matthew 23:6),
earthly belongings (Luke 16:19-31), or anything more than God (Luke 16:13)
Jesus' love extends to each individual: Luke 16:13
Jesus wants us to love him through the good and through the difficult times: Matthew 26;31-35
Jesus wants our love to be genuine: John 21:15-17
Study: In Mark 12:28 a teacher of the law asked Jesus which of all the commandments was the most important to follow. Jesus mentioned two commandments, one from Deuteronomy 6:5, the other from Leviticus 19:18. Both had to do with love. Why is love so important? Jesus said that all of the commandments were given for two simple reasons-- to help us love God and to help us love others.
There is only one way to love as Jesus loved. Trust Him. He does love you. He loves each of us every moment, even when we are unloving. Again, trust Him. Depend on His love when you cannot find your own and you want to act in a loving manner. He is there waiting, hoping for your attention. Always waiting for your call and mine.
Enjoy His love!
Jo INMN
God loves us: John 3:16
We are to love God: Matthew 22:37
Because God loves us, he cares for us: Matthew 6:25-34
God wants everyone to know how much he loves them: John 17:23
God loves even those who hate him; we are to do the same: Matthew 5:43-47; Luke 6:35
God seeks out even those most alienated from him: Luke 15
God must be your first love: Matthew 6:24; 10:37
You show your love for God when you obey him: John 14:21, 15:10
God loves Jesus, his Son: John 5:20; 10:17
Jesus loves God; John 14:31
Those who refuse Jesus don't have God's love: John 5:41-44
Jesus loves us just as God loves Jesus: John 15:9
Jesus proved his love for us by dying on the cross
so that we could live eternally with him: John 3:14; 15; 15:13,14
The love between God and Jesus is the perfect example
of how we are to love others: John 17:21-26
We are to love one another (John 13:34, 35) and demonstrate that love: Matthew 5:40-42; 10:42
We are not to love the praise of men (John 12:43), selfish recognition (Matthew 23:6),
earthly belongings (Luke 16:19-31), or anything more than God (Luke 16:13)
Jesus' love extends to each individual: Luke 16:13
Jesus wants us to love him through the good and through the difficult times: Matthew 26;31-35
Jesus wants our love to be genuine: John 21:15-17
Study: In Mark 12:28 a teacher of the law asked Jesus which of all the commandments was the most important to follow. Jesus mentioned two commandments, one from Deuteronomy 6:5, the other from Leviticus 19:18. Both had to do with love. Why is love so important? Jesus said that all of the commandments were given for two simple reasons-- to help us love God and to help us love others.
There is only one way to love as Jesus loved. Trust Him. He does love you. He loves each of us every moment, even when we are unloving. Again, trust Him. Depend on His love when you cannot find your own and you want to act in a loving manner. He is there waiting, hoping for your attention. Always waiting for your call and mine.
Enjoy His love!
Jo INMN
Saturday, November 1, 2014
HOW TO BELONG TO GOD
There are two stories in the Gospel of Mark that tell us how to belong to God. The first is from Mark 10:13-14 where people were bringing their children to Jesus. The disciples were trying to protect Jesus from the children pressing against him. But Jesus said, "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." And Jesus took the children in his arms, and blessed them.
In the second story, Jesus was approached by a man who fell on his knees before Jesus and asked, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus, hearing of the man's obedience toward the commandments, loved the man, but knew of the man's love of money said, "One thing you lack. Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." But the man went away with sadness, because he could not part with his great wealth.
In the study, we learn, "Adults are not as trusting as little children. To feel secure, all children need is a loving look and gentle touch from someone who cares. Complete intellectual understanding is not one of their requirements. They believe us if they trust us. Jesus said that people should believe in him with this kind of childlike faith. We should not have to understand all the mysteries of the universe; it should be enough to know that God loves us and provides forgiveness for our sin. This doesn't mean that we should be childish or immature, but we should trust God with a child's simplicity and receptivity.
"In regard to the young man, money represented his pride of accomplishment and self-effort. Ironically, his attitude made him unable to keep the first commandment, to let nothing be more important than God (Ex.20:3) He could not meet the one requirement Jesus gave--to turn his whole heart and life over to God. The man came to Jesus wondering what he could do; he left seeing what he was unable to do."
Not easy requirements for those who desire to be children of the Heavenly Father. We are childlike in many ways, but mostly have a hard time trusting anyone but ourselves. We learned the hard way, I think, that we must be careful whom we trust. We have to re-learn to trust God in any of His forms, and we must try and try again. How God must be pleased when we trust Him!
And about money!! The love..and trust.. of our money may be one of the hardest things to give up. But this isn't a question of, "How much do I give?" But of, "Which do I love and trust the most...God? Or my bank account?" This may take some wrestling, but there is always a way. God's way has worked the best for us. But it took some wrestling, that's for sure!
What does Jesus want from us? A glad heart, trusting and filled with adoration. And love for Him so strong that our money just isn't that big a deal anymore, but just enough to pay our bills-- ordinary, necessary bills from careful planning and not over-spending.
Signing off with a dollar sign, oops! No, signing off with a sign of love....Hugs!
JO inMN
In the second story, Jesus was approached by a man who fell on his knees before Jesus and asked, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus, hearing of the man's obedience toward the commandments, loved the man, but knew of the man's love of money said, "One thing you lack. Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." But the man went away with sadness, because he could not part with his great wealth.
In the study, we learn, "Adults are not as trusting as little children. To feel secure, all children need is a loving look and gentle touch from someone who cares. Complete intellectual understanding is not one of their requirements. They believe us if they trust us. Jesus said that people should believe in him with this kind of childlike faith. We should not have to understand all the mysteries of the universe; it should be enough to know that God loves us and provides forgiveness for our sin. This doesn't mean that we should be childish or immature, but we should trust God with a child's simplicity and receptivity.
"In regard to the young man, money represented his pride of accomplishment and self-effort. Ironically, his attitude made him unable to keep the first commandment, to let nothing be more important than God (Ex.20:3) He could not meet the one requirement Jesus gave--to turn his whole heart and life over to God. The man came to Jesus wondering what he could do; he left seeing what he was unable to do."
Not easy requirements for those who desire to be children of the Heavenly Father. We are childlike in many ways, but mostly have a hard time trusting anyone but ourselves. We learned the hard way, I think, that we must be careful whom we trust. We have to re-learn to trust God in any of His forms, and we must try and try again. How God must be pleased when we trust Him!
And about money!! The love..and trust.. of our money may be one of the hardest things to give up. But this isn't a question of, "How much do I give?" But of, "Which do I love and trust the most...God? Or my bank account?" This may take some wrestling, but there is always a way. God's way has worked the best for us. But it took some wrestling, that's for sure!
What does Jesus want from us? A glad heart, trusting and filled with adoration. And love for Him so strong that our money just isn't that big a deal anymore, but just enough to pay our bills-- ordinary, necessary bills from careful planning and not over-spending.
Signing off with a dollar sign, oops! No, signing off with a sign of love....Hugs!
JO inMN
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